Dangerous weather conditions bring Emma, Oti and Rylan’s Red Nose Day challenge to a standstill
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Emma Willis, Oti Mabuse and Rylan’s Red Nose Day challenge has been brought to a halt due to dangerous weather conditions closing in.
The trio, who have spent the last two days trekking and wild camping in an attempt to reach Cairn Gorm, have been warned that any attempt to push ahead with today’s planned summit could pose a danger to life.
Crisis talks with the expedition team are now in motion, as the team try to find a new safe route for the determined and defiant trio to re-attempt the summit and complete their challenge in 24 hours’ time – if it is deemed safe to resume.
For the last two days, the now exhausted, drained, and even bruised celebrities, have been taking on one of the hardest physical and mental challenges of their lives.
Battling blustery winds, ice, rain and freezing temperatures, in their bid to raise vital funds for Comic Relief one step at a time.
Emma Willis said: “I feel like the rug’s been pulled from under us.
"If there’s even the smallest chance of us trying again tomorrow then I’m staying.
"I’m not going home today.
"No way.
“I feel like I’ve only done 50 per cent of the challenge and I always give 100 per cent to everything I do.
"But it’s out of my control.
"I can’t get lost in my own disappointment though. I need to turn my annoyance into determination.”
Oti Mabuse said: "It’s not the result we were hoping for and I’m not good with change.
"It doesn’t matter what we want now. It’s up to the mountain whether this challenge carries on tomorrow or not.”
Rylan said: “Two days ago if I’d been told we couldn’t go to the summit I’d have been delighted.
"Now I’m here I’m absolutely gutted.
"I know it’s the right decision but we’re gutted.
"Even if there’s the smallest chance of us being able to carry on tomorrow then I’m staying.
"I didn’t start this challenge to only make it halfway.”
Expedition Lead, Graeme Douglas – who has been by the trio’s side for every step of their journey – said: “As with all Comic Relief challenges, safety is our number one priority.
"We have been closely monitoring the weather over the past 24 hours and due to 70mph winds and gusts up to 100mph expected on the summit of Cairn Gorm today, we have reluctantly made the decision to pause the climb until tomorrow.
"We have revised the proposed route and weather permitting, we will press on to the summit on Saturday.”
Every step of Frozen: Emma, Oti and Rylan's Red Nose Day Challenge will be captured for a special documentary, produced by Twofour, which will air on BBC One and iPlayer in the run up to Red Nose Day, which returns on Friday, March 17.
The money raised will help support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and tackle issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and food poverty here in the UK and around the world.
A portion of money raised throughout the Red Nose Day campaign will also go towards the emergency response to the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Donations will help to fund organisations providing essential support including blankets, food, water and medical supplies.
Visit comicrelief.com/frozen to find out more and show your support to Emma, Oti and Rylan
